Is E491 halal or haram?
Sorbitan monostearate · Emulsifier
E491 (Sorbitan monostearate) is generally classified as suspect (mashbooh). The stearate (fatty-acid) component may be animal-derived. Verify source.
What is E491?
E491, listed on labels as Sorbitan monostearate, is an emulsifier that helps oil and water blend into a smooth mixture. You'll most often find it in packaged and processed foods.
Is E491 halal? The verdict
E491 is mashbooh (doubtful). The stearate (fatty-acid) component may be animal-derived. Verify source. Manufacturers aren't required to print the source on the label, so unless the pack states a plant/vegetable source or carries a recognised halal certification (HMC, JAKIM, MUI, IFANCA), the safest choice is to avoid it.
How to check E491 on a label
Scan the ingredient list for E491 and its other names. If it's present and the source isn't stated, treat the product as doubtful. A barcode or photo scan with Halal Food AI flags E491 automatically and tells you whether the product declares a halal source.
Other names & label terms to scan for
Sorbitan monostearateSpan 60Emulsifier 491INS 491E491
Bottom line
E491 is doubtful (mashbooh) — avoid unless the source is stated as halal or the product is halal-certified.
Stop guessing in the aisle
Halal Food AI flags E491 and every other suspect or not-halal additive automatically — just scan the barcode or snap the ingredient list. Plain-language verdicts, 25+ languages.